The Central (Phoenix, AZ) varsity basketball team will host Catalina Foothills (Tucson, AZ) in a home playoff game on Friday, February 28, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2025 AIA Boys Basketball State Championships (Arizona) – Conference 5A tournament.

Central vs Catalina Foothills Game Info:

What: Arizona High School Basketball
Who: Central (AZ) vs Catalina Foothills (AZ)
When: Friday, February 28, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2025 AIA Boys Basketball State Championships (Arizona) – Conference 5A
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Central vs Catalina Foothills

The 2024-2025 basketball season has been nothing short of exciting for both Catalina Foothills and Central High School, two powerhouse teams in Arizona’s high school basketball landscape. Each team has been dominant in its respective region, with impressive records and standout performances across the board. In this article, we will compare the rankings, records, and individual performances that make these teams top contenders in their division.

Team Overview

Catalina Foothills (24-25)

• Record: 20-6 overall, 10-0 in-region
• Points Scored: 1,720
• Points Allowed: 1,408
• Win Percentage: .769
• Region Record: 10-0

Catalina Foothills has been a force in their region, posting an undefeated record in their section and finishing with a solid 20-6 overall mark. They’ve been strong on both ends of the floor, averaging 66.2 points per game, with their offense consistently hitting double digits across the quarters. Their strong region performance is a testament to their defensive resilience, allowing only 1,408 points all season.

Central (24-25)

• Record: 25-3 overall, 11-1 in-region
• Points Scored: 2,108
• Points Allowed: 1,409
• Win Percentage: .893
• Region Record: 11-1

Central, with a dominant 25-3 overall record, has been even more impressive, boasting a .893 win percentage. Their offense has been highly productive, scoring an average of 75.3 points per game, outpacing their opponents by significant margins. With an impressive 11-1 record in region play, Central has proven to be the most formidable team in their section, with a potent offense that has been able to outmatch their competitors in almost every aspect.

Scoring Averages

Both teams excel in scoring, but with different strengths and paces. Here’s how their offensive performances break down by quarter:

• Catalina Foothills:
  Q1: 17.0 | Q2: 15.1 | Q3: 18.5 | Q4: 15.6
  Final Average: 66.2 points per game

• Central:
  Q1: 21.4 | Q2: 18.5 | Q3: 20.7 | Q4: 14.7
  Final Average: 75.3 points per game

While Catalina Foothills has been consistent across each quarter, their offense is more balanced and less reliant on explosive scoring. Central, on the other hand, starts strong with high-scoring first and third quarters, showcasing their ability to dominate early and often.

Team Stat Comparison

Comparing both teams in terms of key statistical categories reveals some interesting insights:

• Points Per Game:

  • Catalina Foothills: 66.2
  • Central: 75.3

• Rebounds Per Game:

  • Catalina Foothills: 30.8
  • Central: 30.8

• Assists Per Game:

  • Catalina Foothills: 16.7
  • Central: 16.7

• Steals Per Game:

  • Catalina Foothills: 10.3
  • Central: 10.3

• Blocks Per Game:

  • Catalina Foothills: 2.4
  • Central: 2.4

Both teams have similar stats in terms of rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, highlighting their balanced styles of play. However, Central edges out Catalina Foothills with a higher scoring average, showcasing their offensive prowess.

Key Players

Each team has standout players who have been instrumental in their success this season. Here are some of the top contributors:

• Catalina Foothills:

  • John Mattingly (24.3 PPG): A major scoring threat for Catalina Foothills, Mattingly’s ability to put up points in crucial moments has been pivotal for his team.
  • Eric Butler (9.9 RPG): A key rebounder, Butler’s presence in the paint has given Catalina Foothills the edge in second-chance opportunities.
  • Grant Mattingly (6.7 APG): Mattingly’s vision and playmaking ability make him one of the team’s most reliable ball handlers.

• Central:

  • Dominic Rojas (3.2 SPG): Known for his defense and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, Rojas has been a key player for Central.
  • Anthony Maciel (0.7 BPG): A shot-blocking presence in the paint, Maciel adds to Central’s defensive strength.
  • Top Scorer: With a consistent scoring output of over 24 points per game, Central’s key offensive player has been a major factor in their high-scoring games.

Record Breakdown

When analyzing the teams’ records by various categories:

• Catalina Foothills:

  • Home: 8-2
  • Away: 8-2
  • Neutral: 4-2
  • Non-League: 7-5
  • In-State: 19-5
  • Out-of-State: 1-1

• Central:

  • Home: 12-1
  • Away: 9-2
  • Neutral: 4-0
  • Non-League: 7-0
  • In-State: 23-3
  • Out-of-State: 2-0

While both teams have performed strongly in various settings, Central has a slight edge, especially in their undefeated non-league record. Their ability to win on the road and at neutral sites is a testament to their championship-caliber mentality.

Conclusion

Both Catalina Foothills and Central have enjoyed successful seasons in 2024-2025, each leading their respective regions with impressive records and high-scoring performances. While Central has dominated with a stronger overall offense, Catalina Foothills has maintained a steady and resilient presence on both sides of the ball. With high-level players contributing to both squads, these two teams are certainly ones to watch as they move toward the playoffs, where they could meet again for a thrilling postseason battle.